In this high-energy episode of Core and Commerce, host Perry Howell sits down with Emilio Khatis for his podcast debut—founder of Sydney Run Club. What started as five friends, now co-founders, running together has grown into a global phenomenon, over 55,000 members, brand partnerships with Powerade, Lululemon, JBL, and surprise drop-ins from the world’s biggest names.

Emilio shares the unfiltered story behind building one of the most magnetic wellness communities in the world—from rainy mornings where no one showed up, to cultivating a culture that no money can buy. The conversation explores the real mechanics of community-led growth, why consistency beats perfection, and how creating belonging has become the most powerful business strategy of all.

For the first time publicly, Emilio opens up about a life-altering cancer diagnosis in his early twenties, how mental resilience became his greatest asset, and why giving back to vulnerable communities reshaped his purpose as a founder. From entrepreneurship at an early age to leading thousands at sunrise in Bondi, this episode is the blueprint of intention-driven leadership. Tune in for insights on building hype through community, why run clubs are becoming the new third space, the psychology of showing up, and what it really takes to turn movement into a global brand.

Whether you’re building a business, craving deeper connection, or looking for motivation to get out of bed at 5:30 AM—this episode will move you.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Sydney Run Club

00:14 Meet Emilio Khatis: Founder of Sydney Run Club

01:00 Acknowledging Recent Tragedies in Bondi

02:13 Emilio's Early Life and Love for Sports

06:17 Entrepreneurial Spirit from a Young Age

08:16 First Job and Lessons Learned

15:39 Overcoming a Major Health Challenge

23:39 Founding and Growing Sydney Run Club

27:17 Joining a Run Club: First Day Experience

27:41 Building a Welcoming Community

30:00 Overcoming Challenges and Growing the Club

34:13 Monetizing the Community

36:51 Celebrity Collaborations and Media Stunts

40:04 Running Tips and Trends

44:27 Advice for Aspiring Founders

49:45 Future Plans for Sydney Run Club

Core & Commerce is the space where ambition meets wellbeing. Hosted by Perry Howell, marketing leader, wellness founder, and media powerhouse - and inspired by her own journey of redefining success, balance, and health. Bringing realness to wellness, each episode goes deep in honest, unfiltered conversations with the founders, creators, and innovators moving the wellness world forward.

If you enjoy the show, subscribing, rating, and leaving a review makes a real difference. It helps the podcast reach new listeners and allows me to keep creating intentional conversations like this one. Subscribe to Core &

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In Motion: Community and the Rise of Sydney Run Club with Emilio Khatis